Celebrate National Pickleball Month with these tips from Palmetto Dunes

Picture this: Three friends in a backyard on Bainbridge Island, armed with ping-pong paddles and a whiffle ball. Their mission? To create the ultimate backyard game. Joel Pritchard, William Bell, and Barney McCallum dubbed their creation "pickleball" after their beloved dog Pickles. What started as a fun backyard experiment soon became a nationwide craze. By the '80s, official rules were in place, and pickleball was bouncing its way into hearts everywhere. Today, it's not just a game—it's a lifestyle. From casual matches to fierce competitions, pickleball boasts a diverse player base spanning all ages and skill levels.

Because of its popularity, April has been designated National Pickleball Month! Our Palmetto Dunes Pickleball professionals have three fun video tips to help you improve your game from anywhere.

Pickleball Tip: Practice Your Position Stance on The Return Of Serve 

Reggie Sanderson, Palmetto Dunes Resort's Tennis & Pickleball Center's Pickleball Instructor, shares with us some key tips on the return of serve. 

Takeaways:

• The number one mistake players make instructors see on the Return Of Serve stance is their start position.

• First, position yourself at a comfortable distance from the baseline.

• Second, stagger your feet to prepare your body to start moving forward and into your first shot. 

Pickleball Contact Points with Andy

Andy Sklarin, Palmetto Dunes Resort's Tennis & Pickleball Center's Pickleball Instructor, shares with us some tips on the contact point and rules in pickleball.

Takeaways:

• Keep your paddle contact point out in front of you & always try to see your paddle.

• Shuffle sideways and avoid crossing your feet over.

• Keep yourself behind the line if you want to hit the ball out of the air.

Pickleball Safety Tips: Wait to Cross While Play is in Progress and Avoid Back Pedaling During Play To Prevent Injury

Rick Hobson, Palmetto Dunes Resort's Tennis & Pickleball Center's Pickleball Instructor, shares with us a few important safety tips.

Takeaways:

• Do not cross behind a pickleball court if you see a game is in progress. It is a safety hazard and can put both you and people on the court at risk. As a curtesy, do not go into someone's court as they are playing. Instead, please wait until there is a break in play and ask politely if you can cross. 

• If you are in the Non-Volley Zone and a player lobs a shot over you, do not back pedal to hit the ball. This could lead to serious injury. The best thing to do if a lob goes over your head, is to turn, jog back and face back forward to hit safely. 

Pickleball is a sport for all ages and levels. Come experience the community and positive atmosphere this sport creates! Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, located on Hilton Head Island, has 24 pickleball courts with a knowledgeable staff that hosts clinics, lessons and round robins year-round. Reserve your next Hilton Head pickleball lesson online.